LOOKING AHEAD: Canvey Island and Grays Athletic both made excellent starts to the season with wins and clean sheets on the opening weekend.

The Gulls were 1-0 winners against Barking, with a rare shut-out arguably as poignant as Mitch Gilbey’s stunning winner.

Two early strikes helped Grays past Witham Town in their first match of term to record their first away win this calendar year.

The supporters will be hoping the two teams can provide the same amount of entertainment this fixture afforded last term.

Canvey were 6-3 winners at Parkside in a game that ebbed and flowed throughout, with Danny Heale’s men 3-0 winners in the reverse.

What will happen tomorrow?

MANAGER’S VIEW: “I was given minute by minute updates from last weekend and I am pleased with how the players did,” said Heale.

“We weren’t at our best and we looked solid defensively, which we worked hard at over the summer. It was a good result against a tidy side who will be up there. There were times last year where we didn’t play well and would have lost a game like that.

“As for Grays, we beat them convincingly at their place last year but you don’t really know where everyone is at this early stage. Aveley got a big win but until Dereham play again you don’t know where they are at.

“We expect Grays to be up and around it come April and we will be ready.”

TEAM NEWS: James White and George Allen could return from injury. Jordan Brown returns to the fold after missing last weekend.